Principals
Jonah Zimiles, Managing Principal
Ellen Zimiles, Principal
Jonah and Ellen have been married for 21 years and have lived in Maplewood for 19 years raising their two children, Liz and Dan, there.
Jonah recently graduated from Columbia Business School the day after his 25th reunion from NYU Law School. In addition to practicing law, Jonah spent four years as National Director of Planned Giving and Endowments for the United Jewish Communities, and six years as a stay-at-home father.
Ellen spent ten years as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. After nine years as a partner at a "Big Four" accounting firm, Ellen co-founded and is CEO of Daylight Forensic and Advisory. Established in 2006, Daylight has offices in New York, Washington, Miami and London.
Staff Members
- Alexandra
Alexandra grew up in Brazil. She recently moved to New Jersey to continue her education at Seton Hall University, where she is pursuing a Masters degree in Diplomacy and International Relations.
- Hannah
- Janet
Born and raised in W. Orange, I've lived in Maplewood for 23 years. After teaching for 34 years, I retired from the Newark School system. Since much of that time was spent working in the primary grades, I have a keen interest in books for young children. Two of my favorite authors of children's book are Kevin Henkes and Patricia Pollanco. Her book "Thank you Mr. Faulker" ties with Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree" as my favorite children's books.
- Jim
- Judy
- Karilyn
Karilyn Simpson is a graduate of Seton Hall University. She is hoping to gain acceptance to medical school in the fall. She can always be found every Saturday at the bookstore willing to help and with a friendly smile. No question is too hard or book too obscure.
- Kelsey
Kelsey is the youngest member of the Words staff and an avid reader. Kelsey has been living in Maplewood for twelve years and is currently attending Union County College with the intentions of becoming a high school English teacher. She is an Anglophile and one of our resident Twilight experts. Some of her favourite books include the Twilight Saga, Pride and Prejudice, and Anna Karenina.
- Lisa
Lisa is a Brooklyn native who, along with her husband and two daughters, ventured out beyond the city limits to beautiful Maplewood 11 years ago. Lisa enjoys working at Words because it gives her the opportunity to interact with her fellow Maplewoodians and share her love of books.
- Louise
In 1981, my husband and daughter moved from Manhattan to Maplewood. Our son was born that year and we lived in our home for 24 years. Three years ago my husband and I moved to a new townhouse but our hearts still reside in Maplewood. I was very fortunate to get a job at the bookstore eight years ago. Reading has always been my passion and now I get to share that passion with all our customers.
- Tracey
I migrated to New Jersey from Illinois via NYC with my husband in 1984. Luckily, after five years in Hoboken, we discovered the Village of Maplewood and all its charm. We still live in our "starter" home with our two daughters (one a junior in college, one a junior in high school) and a chocolate lab (Hailing Chocolate Kisses) surrounded by the best neighbors ever. I love to read, travel and cook (not bake). I feel privileged to live in a community that supports an independent bookstore and I am very happy to work at Words.
- Trish
I've lived in Maplewood for 24 years and have always enjoyed being involved in things locally. It's a pleasure to be a part of the downtown scene working at the local bookstore. Words is a place where I get to meet great people and have stimulating conversations about books. The excitement of seeing new titles arrive at the store never gets old. Also, it's always fun to get the feedback on something I've recommended.
